Born at Pavelich, Ukraine around 1904, he trained as a rabbi at the Hebrew seminary there before emigrating to Canada in 1921. He operated a general store at Oakburn, Manitoba from 1926 to his death. Known for his kindness and generosity, he offered credit to many customers experiencing difficult times, especially during the Great Depression of the 1930s. A devout man, he was active in the Rosh Pina Synagogue and the Chevra Mishnayes Synagogue. Unickow died on 24 February 1976.